Senators Want to Improve Mental Health Care for Veterans

In a press conference Wednesday, Akaka said too many veterans return from war with physical wounds. He said while they receive care to treat the physical problems, they don't receive care for psychological trauma.

"We must engage in a national effort to identify and reach out to returning servicemembers and veterans at risk for severe mental health problems," said Akaka. "No expense can be spared to find and help those suffering from the invisible wounds of war. We must treat veterans' mental health care as what it is: a cost of war."

Murray added, "We all agree that the Veterans' Affairs is the best possible place for our veteran to receive the mental health care they need and deserve. But in order for the VA to work for our veteran, VA leadership must be honest about their needs."

The press conference followed last week's call from Akaka and Murray for the resignation of VA's top mental health officials, after reports that he was involved in an attempt to cover-up the number of veterans attempting suicide.